Irish Water Spaniel

A Curly-Coated Clown

Enthusiastic, exuberant, energetic

Irish Water Spaniels are loyal, playful, and independent large dogs. Water Spaniels are reserved with strangers and are generally well behaved with children, but can be territorial with other dogs and cats. These spirited dogs are sometimes stubborn, and make ideal companions for outdoor enthusiasts, active singles, and families with older children. This breed is hypoallergenic, so they’re great for people with allergies. They require an hour of free running or strenuous exercise every day to remain happy and healthy.

Understanding their unique needs will help keep them healthy and create a strong bond between the two of you. Explore this page to learn more about the breed’s history, health concerns, characteristics, and care needs.

Ease of training

Affection toward owners

Friendliness toward strangers

Routine Care: Irish Water Spaniels are highly active dogs that that love the water and excel at dog sports like obedience, rally, and agility.

Grooming: Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Irish Water Spaniels generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Make sure to keep their floppy ears dry. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Irish Water Spaniels are tireless, courageous, and devoted hunting dogs. With proper exercise and socialization, they make an affectionate and calm family companion. Females may be significantly smaller than males.

Positive Traits:

Energetic, active, and athletic

Alert, curious, and busy

Quiet—not much of a barker

Excellent hunting dog

Protective of family; good watch dog

Lovable, playful companion

Negative Traits:

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership

May be territorial when it comes to cats and other dogs

Standoffish toward strangers

Whether you are considering adding a new Irish Water Spaniel to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Irish Water Spaniel will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Irish Water Spaniel you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

The Irish Water Spaniel originated in Ireland during the 17th century and the first written records of the breed date back to 1607. They are the tallest of the spaniels and were bred as a dual-purpose hunting dog; hunting upland game and retrieving waterfowl. They have a dense curly coat with natural oils and webbed feet that allow them to retrieve game in cold waters. The Irish Water Spaniel is often referred to as the “clown of the spaniel family.” They are known for being mischievous, inquisitive, creative, and entertaining. This breed is spirited, playful, and willing to please, but can become headstrong, difficult to train, and overprotective.

Consult with a veterinarian if your Irish Water Spaniel shows signs of the following:

Care

Routine Care: Irish Water Spaniels are highly active dogs that that love the water and excel at dog sports like obedience, rally, and agility.

Grooming: Brush their coat as needed, at least weekly.

Dental: Irish Water Spaniels generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!

Ear Care: Clean their ears weekly, even as a puppy. Make sure to keep their floppy ears dry. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!

Characteristics

Irish Water Spaniels are tireless, courageous, and devoted hunting dogs. With proper exercise and socialization, they make an affectionate and calm family companion. Females may be significantly smaller than males.

Positive Traits:

Energetic, active, and athletic

Alert, curious, and busy

Quiet—not much of a barker

Excellent hunting dog

Protective of family; good watch dog

Lovable, playful companion

Negative Traits:

Requires vigorous, frequent exercise and space to run

Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog

Prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone and will find trouble

Willful and stubborn if you don’t show strong leadership

May be territorial when it comes to cats and other dogs

Standoffish toward strangers

Health Concerns

Whether you are considering adding a new Irish Water Spaniel to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Irish Water Spaniel will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds.

By exploring the health concerns specific to the Irish Water Spaniel you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.

History

The Irish Water Spaniel originated in Ireland during the 17th century and the first written records of the breed date back to 1607. They are the tallest of the spaniels and were bred as a dual-purpose hunting dog; hunting upland game and retrieving waterfowl. They have a dense curly coat with natural oils and webbed feet that allow them to retrieve game in cold waters. The Irish Water Spaniel is often referred to as the “clown of the spaniel family.” They are known for being mischievous, inquisitive, creative, and entertaining. This breed is spirited, playful, and willing to please, but can become headstrong, difficult to train, and overprotective.

Watch Out For

Consult with a veterinarian if your Irish Water Spaniel shows signs of the following:

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